WGA West Apologizes for ‘Tremendous Pain’ Caused by Its Silence on Israel Attack

variety.com:

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer The Writers Guild of America West issued an apology to its members on Tuesday for the harm caused by its decision not to release a statement in the wake of the Oct.

7 attack on Israel. The guild has faced withering criticism over the last week for failing to condemn the Hamas attacks, which took the lives of more than 1,400 people.

In a lengthy statement to members on Tuesday, the guild sought to explain its decision not to weigh in on the issue. The guild explained that it has generally taken stances on domestic issues pertaining to social justice or freedom of speech, while it has avoided international tragedies. “We did not, for example, make a comment after Russia invaded Ukraine, nor on terrorist attacks in Somalia, Pakistan or elsewhere,” the guild said. “It can be an imprecise science for a labor union to pick and choose where it weighs in on both domestic and world affairs.” WGA West leadership also acknowledged the pain caused by that decision. “We are American labor leaders, aware of our limitations and humbled by the magnitude of this conflict,” the guild said. “However, we understand this has caused tremendous pain and for that we are truly sorry.” Nearly 400 writers have signed an open letter condemning the attacks and blasting the union for its silence.

Another group of more than 300 creative guild members signed a second letter, urging unions to resist pressure to weigh in, which they argued could be seen as endorsing Israel’s response.